Planning - doe-std-1128-98

DOE-STD-1128-98

-- nasal smear activity levels

-- sputum and/or mouth contamination.

The special bioassay monitoring program is initiated following a known or suspected

intake. This information is needed for dose assessment and future exposure management.

The intake is confirmed if follow-up bioassay measurements indicate positive measurement

results. Additional bioassay measurements may be needed to quantify the intake and

provide data for determining the effective dose equivalent. The frequency of bioassay

monitoring will depend on the specific case to be evaluated. Selection of the appropriate

sampling frequency is based on the previously discussed performance capabilities for

workplace monitoring program, consultations with internal dosimetry specialists, and the

cooperation of the affected employee.

5.10.1

Planning

The management at the plutonium facility should be prepared to follow an

emergency action plan for response to a plutonium intake. If a worker accidentally

inhales or ingests plutonium or is injured by a plutonium-contaminated object, the

action plan should be initiated immediately. A rapid response is important because

any delay in implementing appropriate action could lessen the effectiveness of

decorporation therapy and increase the probability for internalized plutonium to

deposit on bone surfaces.

5.10.2

Medical Response Plan

The health physicist and medical staff must establish an emergency action plan for

the appropriate management of an accidental intake of plutonium. The elements of

the plan should include the following:

-- Decision levels for determining when monitoring data or accident events require

emergency medical response

-- responsibilities of the affected worker, health physicist, medical staff, and

management or supervisory personnel

-- instructions for immediate medical care, decontamination, monitoring, and

longer-term follow-up response

-- provisions for periodically reviewing, updating, and rehearsing the emergency

action plan.

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